BRANSON, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) -The City of Branson and Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) are reaching the sunset of the agreement as the Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2023, the opportunity for a unique, one-of-a-kind partnership between the most popular NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and one of the most family-friendly destinations in the country, Branson, Missouri, was inked on paper.
Through the leadership of the TCED and City of Branson, the Branson/Lakes Area was presented with an opportunity to showcase the destination to the greater audience of the Chiefs in a way that would place Branson/Lakes Area in front of repeat visitors and a new audience.
Over the course of three years, Explore Branson, a contracted destination marketing organization for TCED and the City of Branson, was retained to execute the deliverables of the agreement. They were able to showcase the destination at numerous tailgating events, providing thousands of vacation guides, promotional materials, answers to travel planning questions, and highlighting the live music shows, world-class attractions, pristine lakes, and incredible Ozark hospitality.
In addition, the Explore Branson team created in-stadium billboard placement at each home game for three seasons, reaching an average of 70,000+ in-stadium viewers each game. Branson also served as the Hometown Hero sponsor, recognizing more than 30 Missouri-based active-duty military, Veterans, or essential workers, for their dedication to service, country, and community.
Branson also became the host location to the Chiefs Cheer Team for multiple cheer training camps and team-building trips. While in Branson, the Cheer Team experienced local spa experiences, outdoor activities, and the world-famous theme park, Silver Dollar City.
While visiting, the Chiefs Cheer Team leadership fell in love with the sounds of The Haygoods. This love led to an invitation to The Haygoods to perform the National Anthem on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead. With 75,000 fans in attendance and millions of views across social media, the opportunity to showcase one example of live music talent in Branson was a highlight of the partnership.
Digital media provided the Explore Branson team with the opportunity to monitor digital placement of advertising across the Chiefs platform, reaching millions of website viewers and generating over 320,000 website visits per year.
The agreement between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Branson/Lakes Area will sunset on May 15, 2026. Moving forward, the Explore Branson, City of Branson, and TCED teams will continue to maintain contact with the Chiefs’ marketing team and stay abreast of marketing opportunities to showcase the destination to the millions of loyal fans of the Chiefs.
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